Introduction
East Dunbartonshire Council in partnership with Scottish Environmental Protection Agency are working towards improving and restoring the natural environment including river restoration for the Glazert Water in Lennoxtown. The aim of this project is to restore the river, as well making improvements to wildlife habitats and encourage public use / amenity in the area.
Who is involved in this project?
East Dunbartonshire Council is leading the project with their environmental consultants cbec. Technical input and support is being provided by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Who is funding this Glazert Water project?
This project is funded jointly by the Council and SEPA’s Water Environmental Fund (WEF) which SEPA administer on behalf of Scottish Government.
Why is the Glazert Water being considered?
The Council and interested stakeholders have been looking to deliver benefits in this catchment for some time and this project will provide multiple benefits for the area. The impact of industrial heritage on the Glazert Water due to straightening of the watercourse, modified banking and other pressures made the river less natural.
The project will deliver river environmental improvements with associated social and economic benefits. It enables SEPA and Local Authorities such as East Dunbartonshire Council to deliver river restoration, repairing damaged urban rivers, to enhance the environment for communities that live there, bringing economic benefits and recreational opportunities to communities. In addition, the project aims to deliver climate change adaptation and mitigation benefits with net zero and sustainability at its heart
What other aims are being considered as part of this project?
The aim of the project is to improve and naturalise the river, provide improvements for wildlife, recreation and amenity. It is important we connect the local community to the river so residents and visitors can enjoy the river and greenspace. Access will be improved between Lennoxtown and the river for local community and visitors as well as improve the river and surrounding area for wildlife and habitat
There will be enhanced amenity by for example provision of improved path network and nature trails. The proposals will reconnect the river with the floodplain will provide localised climate change mitigation benefits. Woodland management will enhance biodiversity and provide climate change mitigation benefits. It will not increase flood risk.
Will the Glazert Water shape be changed?
The intention is to remove the features along the river to make it more natural. This will allow the river space and re-connect the river to its natural functional floodplain where possible. As a result, the river may change shape in response to removing many of the pressures which constrain it.
Will the proposals impact the extraction of water from the Glazert Water or reduce the water levels in the river?
The proposals will neither impact the extraction of water from the Glazert Water nor affect its water levels. SEPA monitor the river levels and flows.
Is Dredging the river being proposed to minimise flood risk?
Dredging is NOT proposed for the project.
Are hard engineered solutions being proposed for this watercourse?
No hard engineering solutions are being undertaken in this stretch. The design proposes to remove the impacts which make the river less natural.
Will the proposals increase flood risk locally or in the wider river catchment elsewhere?
Flood modelling has been undertaken pre and post design to ensure restoration measures do not increase flood risk to existing developments.
Will there be tree felling in the area?
Due to the number of old, damaged and diseased trees present, woodland management is required. The current woodland has limited species diversity and woodland management is required with replanting of native species will be carried out. Where possible tree felling will be minimised but trees will have to be felled. Some areas may require thinning and cutting back of vegetation to allow areas to regrow. With expert advice from our environmental consultants, tree officers and designers we aim to minimise disruption and tree removal.
The intention is to improve habitat and provide benefits for wildlife. Good woodland management will be utilised to ensure such areas are planted up with a diverse range of trees and plants suitable to the local area, with species planted that will positively benefit the area and the impact on the river.
Will the existing collapsed weirs be replaced on the Glazert Water?
There are no proposals to replace or reinstate the Greystanes weir. The weir was built to serve industry which no longer exists, no longer serves its original purpose and the majority of the weir collapsed. The river was degraded due to industrial activity such as construction of the weir and other engineering pressures on the river. Leaving the last section of weir in place will prevent the maximum benefit for river habitat, fish, invertebrates and other river species being realised. The weir collapsing provided features beneficial to the river and evident in the vicinity e.g gravel bars, pools etc. Removing the last section of weir will maximise these benefits, giving the river room to flow its natural course.
The remaining section of weir will eventually get washed away. We can safely remove the remaining section and will consider a way to acknowledge Lennoxtown’s industrial heritage. Currently there is nothing alongside the river to inform people of the industrial heritage. This will change, with boards giving information on river restoration project, Lennoxtown’s industrial heritage, habitat, wildlife, river life etc.
We hope you agree it is worth ensuring all measures are taken to provide maximum river restoration and wider project benefits for the environment and Lennoxtown community.
Will erosion to some of the banking be improved as part of these works?
All pressures on the river have been assessed. There are a variety of factors which impact on rates of erosion. Erosion and deposition of material is a natural process and beneficial to a river. However, this can be knocked out of balance due to presence of installed structures such as weirs, hard bank engineering etc. We have to install some sustainable measures to protect the banks adjacent to the weir.
Will the existing path and links to be used during the works?
The intention is to keep the existing path open during the on-site works. There are currently no closures planned however there are good alternative routes if required and we will notify the local community of the plans.
Will there be an impact on biodiversity?
Restoration will enhance biodiversity with some woodland management measures such as removal of diseased and damaged trees with new planting of native trees and plant species being proposed. River restoration will improve habitat for fish, and longer term, communities will be invited to participate in planting projects and conservation management.
Access to the Glazert Water from parts of Lennoxtown is limited.
One of the drivers of the project is to encourage all, including local communities and visitors, to connect with the river. This will be achieved by creating enhanced accessibility to and from the river. The project will look at access links to and from the paths and improve connectivity for all users to Lennoxtown.
Will paths be diverted and upgraded?
The project aims to provide good access between the river and Lennoxtown and through the surrounding woodland. There is an area of current path which is in danger due to erosion of the nearby riverbank at the old weir. Proposals include to reroute this path to ensure safe access for path users. The riverbank will be protected to ensure the future impact on the path is minimised.
What are the plans for planting and reinstatement of the ground?
Final landscaping and planting will take place to enhance native species and local biodiversity within the river system.
Are all Landowners in favour of our proposals?
We require landowner agreement to work on their land. The Project Group held discussions with landowners to gather their views on the project. Land ownership in the area where proposals have been considered is confirmed.
How will my feedback on the project be used?
The Project Group used the feedback from the concept design consultation to help shape the restoration project. Over 95% who responded to the consultation were in favour of the restoration project and understood the benefits it would bring. Amongst the areas identified for inclusion were making the river more natural, improving the river for fish and wildlife, woodland management, planting native trees and plants, benches, improved access for all between Lennoxtown and the river, alongside the river and through woodland, natural flood management measures, information panels, enhancing habitat and ensuring the natural environment is not put under too much pressure
It is important for the Project Group to seek the community’s views and try to accommodate them within the restoration project. There are some elements we may not be able to provide but aim to ensure the project provides multiple benefits for the community and environment.